The War on Drugs, ‘Up All Night’ | Track Review

The War on Drugs, ‘Up All Night’ | Track Review

The War on Drugs release on final single, “Up All Night,” in advance of their highly-anticipated fourth studio album, ‘A Deeper Understanding.’

Alt-rock six-piece band The War on Drugs released their third album, the universally acclaimed Lost in the Dream in 2014. They return in 2017 with A Deeper Understanding. They blessed us on promo single “Holding On,” which earned honors as one of our 30 Best Songs of 2017 (So Far) and reappeared in the revised, expanded edition a month later. Second single, “Strangest Thing,” gave us another gem to salivate over, if a smidge less notable than “Holding On.” Three weeks before the release of A Deeper Understanding, the band dropped single no. 3, “Pain,” which added a third ‘cherry on top.’ Now, one week in advance of A Deeper Understanding, The War on Drugs are keeping us “Up All Night.”

Production remains a strong suit for The War on Drugs. The sounds are delicious ear candy – the keyboards, guitars, and drums. The groove and driving nature of “Up All Night” is undeniable. Given the exceptionalness of the sound, it’s great that The War on Drugs spend time showcasing their instrumental gifts. Yes, nearly six-and-a-half minutes is ambitious, but so is the music. Vocally, Adam Granduciel sounds superb in his own right. Adding to that glory is stellar vocal production, accentuating the beauty of his instrument.

The cons? “Up All Night” is the fourth single from A Deeper Understanding that’s five minutes or longer. Also, if we’re being nitpicky, it isn’t necessarily catchy, despite its musical repetition. Otherwise, there’s little else to complain about it. Really, there’s nothing…

Final Thoughts

Like the previous singles, “Up All Night” features lovely music and production work, poetic lyrics, and top-notch vocals from Adam Granduciel. A Deeper Understanding looks like a hit, at least four songs in. “Up All Night” = Winning.

The War on Drugs • A Deeper Understanding • Atlantic • Release: 8.25.17